Carolina Hurricanes Re-Sign Veteran Goaltender

Despite plenty of rumors that the Carolina Hurricanes were in the market for a new goalie this summer, they have instead re-signed former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Cam Ward to a new contract.

The two-year deal, according to GeneralFanager.com, is worth an average cap hit of $3.3 million each season. It also includes a no trade clause.

In the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Cam Ward helped the Hurricanes win a Stanley Cup Championship as a rookie when they defeated the Edmonton Oilers. His spectacular play also lead to winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. Ward became the first rookie to win the Conn Smythe since Ron Hextall in 1987.

In the years that followed, Cam Ward continued to lead his team with five 30+ win seasons from 2006 to 2012. Since then, Ward’s numbers have declined, along with the play of the Hurricanes as they continue their rebuild.

Re-signing the 32-year-old Ward does come as a surprise for a rebuilding team, even more so considering they also have Eddie Lack signed for two more seasons as well. Lack and Ward will likely continue to tandem in net, with the majority of the starts going to whoever remains hot.